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Joy Length: 70m Exterior styling: Bannenberg & Rowell Design Builder: Feadship There is a lot of talk about the increase in outdoor living spaces aboard modern yachts and Joy sets a new benchmark in this area. Shaded and open exterior spaces abound and lengthening the bow during the design phase created a family hang-out space for basketball and other diversions. The chiselling and nipping into the traditional superstructure forms give the yacht a unique look – “like a block of snow and ice that has been shaped by the wind”, said one judge. The chamfered edges of the overhangs create an illusion of more space between decks. The profile, originally drawn by Feadship’s De Voogt Naval Architects, was reimagined by Bannenberg & Rowell and, believe it or not, Joy is its first exterior styling project.

There is a lot of talk about the increase in outdoor living spaces aboard modern yachts and Joy sets a new benchmark in this area. Shaded and open exterior spaces abound and lengthening the bow during the design phase created a family hang-out space for basketball and other diversions. The chiselling and nipping into the traditional superstructure forms give the yacht a unique look – “like a block of snow and ice that has been shaped by the wind”, said one judge. The chamfered edges of the overhangs create an illusion of more space between decks. The profile, originally drawn by Feadship’s De Voogt Naval Architects, was reimagined by Bannenberg & Rowell and, believe it or not, Joy is its first exterior styling project.

*Wider 150 * Length: 47.1m Exterior styling: Fulvio de Simoni Builder: Wider "Clean lines and taut, smooth surfaces were the order," says Fulvio de Simoni, who assisted Wider’s managing director Tilli Antonelli with the development of exterior spaces that are long on liveability. The 90m² beach club includes a 7m floodable garage perfectly shaped for tender stowage that becomes a swimming pool when the tender is deployed, while large port and starboard opening panels create ample sunning areas at the water’s edge and enhance the enjoyment of the pool. While the judges appreciated the sensible military shapes of the hull and superstructure, it was the curves in the upper side decks to facilitate full walkarounds and an expansive flybridge deck, plus the innovative hidden covered seating area forward of the wheelhouse that put the Wider 150 ahead of the other finalists.

"Clean lines and taut, smooth surfaces were the order," says Fulvio de Simoni, who assisted Wider’s managing director Tilli Antonelli with the development of exterior spaces that are long on liveability. The 90m² beach club includes a 7m floodable garage perfectly shaped for tender stowage that becomes a swimming pool when the tender is deployed, while large port and starboard opening panels create ample sunning areas at the water’s edge and enhance the enjoyment of the pool. While the judges appreciated the sensible military shapes of the hull and superstructure, it was the curves in the upper side decks to facilitate full walkarounds and an expansive flybridge deck, plus the innovative hidden covered seating area forward of the wheelhouse that put the Wider 150 ahead of the other finalists.

*My Song * Length: 39.6m Exterior styling: Nauta Design Builder: Baltic Yachts The owner’s brief was for “elegant, intriguing and sexy deck lines, where a full set of the most advanced racing gear and hardware had to find places to hide in the most discreet possible way”. Designed by Nauta as a racer/cruiser for use in the Med and Caribbean, the goal was an eye-catching yacht with proportions so balanced that it is impossible to judge the yacht’s length from a distance. The small, glass-enhanced coachroof is almost hidden by 30cm high gunwales, a welcome feature that certainly improves crew footing. Crew deck access is well placed aft of the guest cockpit. At anchor, the wide stern creates a sheltered sunbathing area that features hydraulically operated seating integrated into the flush decks.

The owner’s brief was for “elegant, intriguing and sexy deck lines, where a full set of the most advanced racing gear and hardware had to find places to hide in the most discreet possible way”. Designed by Nauta as a racer/cruiser for use in the Med and Caribbean, the goal was an eye-catching yacht with proportions so balanced that it is impossible to judge the yacht’s length from a distance. The small, glass-enhanced coachroof is almost hidden by 30cm high gunwales, a welcome feature that certainly improves crew footing. Crew deck access is well placed aft of the guest cockpit. At anchor, the wide stern creates a sheltered sunbathing area that features hydraulically operated seating integrated into the flush decks.

*Cloudbreak * Length: 72.3m Interior design: Christian Liaigre Builder: Abeking & Rasmussen The freshness of the layout and décor of this purpose-built yacht created for a young owner obsessed with outdoor sports quickly captured the attention of the judges. They appreciated the open spaces and huge windows for taking in the surroundings, as well as the uniqueness of a fireplace lounge, in which to warm up after skiing or diving adventures, and the winter garden, both indicating the yacht’s extreme latitudes cruising agenda. Christian Liaigre used angled walls, unusual strip lighting and a dramatic stair column to present surprises at every turn. The judges were also impressed by smart features such as a corridor that allows guests direct access from their cabins to the gym and an excellent crew arrangement with a separate crew mess and lounge and thoughtfully placed cabins for pilots and sports instructors.

The freshness of the layout and décor of this purpose-built yacht created for a young owner obsessed with outdoor sports quickly captured the attention of the judges. They appreciated the open spaces and huge windows for taking in the surroundings, as well as the uniqueness of a fireplace lounge, in which to warm up after skiing or diving adventures, and the winter garden, both indicating the yacht’s extreme latitudes cruising agenda. Christian Liaigre used angled walls, unusual strip lighting and a dramatic stair column to present surprises at every turn. The judges were also impressed by smart features such as a corridor that allows guests direct access from their cabins to the gym and an excellent crew arrangement with a separate crew mess and lounge and thoughtfully placed cabins for pilots and sports instructors.

Sexy Fish Length: 39.3m Interior design: Tansu Builder: Tansu Beach house ease, pure and simple, won the day. The yacht’s layout and décor is a follow on from the original Tansu yachts in the Mothership series, the 35.2m Ceylan and the 36.4m Preference. Designer Riza Tansu took this yacht a step further by adding a central interior stair column from the wheelhouse to the main deck to facilitate service to the upper bar area, which can be either an open or protected space with sliding roof and louvred side panels. Beds and cabinets that appear to float off the wide-planked, natural floor timber appealed to the judges as did the round portholes in the cabins. The shapes of the rooms and the built-in furnishings created a harmonious match to the exterior design and profile.

Beach house ease, pure and simple, won the day. The yacht’s layout and décor is a follow on from the original Tansu yachts in the Mothership series, the 35.2m Ceylan and the 36.4m Preference. Designer Riza Tansu took this yacht a step further by adding a central interior stair column from the wheelhouse to the main deck to facilitate service to the upper bar area, which can be either an open or protected space with sliding roof and louvred side panels. Beds and cabinets that appear to float off the wide-planked, natural floor timber appealed to the judges as did the round portholes in the cabins. The shapes of the rooms and the built-in furnishings created a harmonious match to the exterior design and profile.

*Sybaris * Length: 70m Interior design: PH Design Builder: Perini Navi While the layout of sailing yachts is more constrained by necessity, their designers have to be more cognisant of using available space to its best advantage and recognise that the yacht is rarely level when the boat is underway. None of the finalist yachts this year had what could be described as a traditional interior, which set the judges to happily evaluating contemporary, minimalist and avant garde design ideas on their own merits. All of the yachts had strong owner input and the three top contenders also had the challenge of showcasing and lighting modern art collections. The winner of the secret ballot was not the contender with the greatest area but the one the judges felt was the most cohesive and elegant in design and showing the greatest attention to details. As one of the judges put it: “On Sybaris, the furniture, the lighting and the materials are all relative to the design intent.”

While the layout of sailing yachts is more constrained by necessity, their designers have to be more cognisant of using available space to its best advantage and recognise that the yacht is rarely level when the boat is underway. None of the finalist yachts this year had what could be described as a traditional interior, which set the judges to happily evaluating contemporary, minimalist and avant garde design ideas on their own merits. All of the yachts had strong owner input and the three top contenders also had the challenge of showcasing and lighting modern art collections. The winner of the secret ballot was not the contender with the greatest area but the one the judges felt was the most cohesive and elegant in design and showing the greatest attention to details. As one of the judges put it: “On Sybaris, the furniture, the lighting and the materials are all relative to the design intent.”

Galactica Super Nova Length: 70.1m Naval architect: Van Oossanen / Heesen Yachts Builder: Heesen Yachts This is the most complicated of our categories, requiring a mathematical analysis of each boat’s, dimensions, weight, propulsion and fuel efficiency, plus evaluation of the rigorousness of the design process. For Galactica Super Nova, CFD analysis and tow tank testing for hull and interceptors were augmented by wind tunnel tests of the superstructure. The all-aluminium Full Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) design presents literally two boats in one; her 20-knot displacement hull becomes a 30-knot semi-displacement performer courtesy of a booster engine and waterjet. While small compromises show at the ends of the yacht’s speed spectrum, this yacht, displacing a somewhat modest 645 tonnes, scored 18 out of a possible 20 points for fuel economy. A single point separated runner-up Samurai, which at 70 meters and 935 displacement tons, is the largest steel FDHF hull designed to date and also by Van Oossanen.

This is the most complicated of our categories, requiring a mathematical analysis of each boat’s, dimensions, weight, propulsion and fuel efficiency, plus evaluation of the rigorousness of the design process. For Galactica Super Nova, CFD analysis and tow tank testing for hull and interceptors were augmented by wind tunnel tests of the superstructure. The all-aluminium Full Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) design presents literally two boats in one; her 20-knot displacement hull becomes a 30-knot semi-displacement performer courtesy of a booster engine and waterjet. While small compromises show at the ends of the yacht’s speed spectrum, this yacht, displacing a somewhat modest 645 tonnes, scored 18 out of a possible 20 points for fuel economy. A single point separated runner-up Samurai, which at 70 meters and 935 displacement tons, is the largest steel FDHF hull designed to date and also by Van Oossanen.

*Gipsy * Length: 35.3m Naval architect: Umberto Tagliavini Builder: Otam While there were no radical designs among this group’s 2016 launches, three finalists stood out among the contestants. In the objective analysis, Gipsy moved to the front for her efficiency. This 35 metre tri-deck design is a well-considered upsizing of a 28 metre sister drawn by Umberto Tagliavini for Otam several years ago and developed through a tow-tank review. For Gipsy, the builder specified a hull shape capable of a comfortable ride in sea conditions likely to be encountered by a yacht with 2,000 nautical mile range.The brief also specified a 20-knot top speed for the relatively large volume yacht. The naval architect responded with a deep-V bow that transitions to an asymmetrical aft section with 14-degree deadrise, short, sharp chines and propeller semi-tunnels. CFD analysis further refined the bow and stabiliser fins’ position to best advantage. The yacht achieves her 14.1-knot fast cruising speed at just 51 per cent power.

While there were no radical designs among this group’s 2016 launches, three finalists stood out among the contestants. In the objective analysis, Gipsy moved to the front for her efficiency. This 35 metre tri-deck design is a well-considered upsizing of a 28 metre sister drawn by Umberto Tagliavini for Otam several years ago and developed through a tow-tank review. For Gipsy, the builder specified a hull shape capable of a comfortable ride in sea conditions likely to be encountered by a yacht with 2,000 nautical mile range.The brief also specified a 20-knot top speed for the relatively large volume yacht. The naval architect responded with a deep-V bow that transitions to an asymmetrical aft section with 14-degree deadrise, short, sharp chines and propeller semi-tunnels. CFD analysis further refined the bow and stabiliser fins’ position to best advantage. The yacht achieves her 14.1-knot fast cruising speed at just 51 per cent power.

AQuiJo Length: 86m Naval architect: Tripp Design Naval Architecture Builder: Vitters Shipyard & Oceanco This yacht moves into new territory. A ship by virtue of her equipment and gross tonnage and certainly comparable to a large motor yacht in size, displacement and appointments, this is nevertheless a true sailing yacht for safely circumnavigating the globe. In fact, she will have to, as her masts are too tall for passage through Panama. Two hulls were developed through CFD and 1:15 models tested in towing tanks produced the final shape. Wind tunnel simulations refined the superstructure and sailplan. Twin rudders to boost feedback and control and a lifting keel minimise her harbour draft to 5.23 metres. At full draft of 11.66 metres, the ballasted foil provides ample stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio typical of smaller racer/cruisers, she performs remarkably in light air – 10.5 knots close hauled in 8 knots of breeze – while she can exceed 20 knots reaching with reefed sails in a 30-knot blow. As the leader of the naval architecture panel aptly put it: “She’s an amazing piece of work”.

This yacht moves into new territory. A ship by virtue of her equipment and gross tonnage and certainly comparable to a large motor yacht in size, displacement and appointments, this is nevertheless a true sailing yacht for safely circumnavigating the globe. In fact, she will have to, as her masts are too tall for passage through Panama. Two hulls were developed through CFD and 1:15 models tested in towing tanks produced the final shape. Wind tunnel simulations refined the superstructure and sailplan. Twin rudders to boost feedback and control and a lifting keel minimise her harbour draft to 5.23 metres. At full draft of 11.66 metres, the ballasted foil provides ample stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio typical of smaller racer/cruisers, she performs remarkably in light air – 10.5 knots close hauled in 8 knots of breeze – while she can exceed 20 knots reaching with reefed sails in a 30-knot blow. As the leader of the naval architecture panel aptly put it: “She’s an amazing piece of work”.

Wider 150 Length: 47.1m Naval architect: Fulvio de Simoni / Wider Engineering & Sydac Interior design: Ideaeitalia Exterior styling: Fulvio de Simoni Builder: Wider Following the transformer nature of the Wider sport boat, it was clear that the builder’s first true superyacht would also be a “shapeshifter”. The corollary to the adage “form follows function” is that when function changes, so must the form, and that is what Wider CEO Tilli Antonelli has arranged throughout the yacht, allowing it to live bigger than its actual LOA. The float-in tender garage/swimming pool/beach club maximises options without compromising on living spaces or tender size. But the true innovation of the Wider 150 is the propulsion system that fully leverages the hybrid concept, eliminating the traditional engine room and locating the electrical generators far away from owner and guest areas, thus opening up a new world of barrier-free interior layout possibilities. Insulated electrical cables powering Veth azimuthing pods replace the traditional shafts and propellers and an Emerson Industrial Automation system utilises batteries and one to four gensets to deliver just the right amount of power for hotel use or navigation.

Following the transformer nature of the Wider sport boat, it was clear that the builder’s first true superyacht would also be a “shapeshifter”. The corollary to the adage “form follows function” is that when function changes, so must the form, and that is what Wider CEO Tilli Antonelli has arranged throughout the yacht, allowing it to live bigger than its actual LOA. The float-in tender garage/swimming pool/beach club maximises options without compromising on living spaces or tender size. But the true innovation of the Wider 150 is the propulsion system that fully leverages the hybrid concept, eliminating the traditional engine room and locating the electrical generators far away from owner and guest areas, thus opening up a new world of barrier-free interior layout possibilities. Insulated electrical cables powering Veth azimuthing pods replace the traditional shafts and propellers and an Emerson Industrial Automation system utilises batteries and one to four gensets to deliver just the right amount of power for hotel use or navigation.

_My Song _ Length: 39.6m Naval architect: Reichel-Pugh Yacht Design Interior design: Nauta Design Exterior styling: Nauta Design Builder: Baltic Yachts This was a strong category and the top three finishers were separated by just four points. With My Song, Nauta, Reichel-Pugh and Baltic triumph with things you don’t see: a sophisticated, fully retractable, azimuthing propeller, hydraulic and line runs hidden in the bulwarks to reduce deck thickness, a “crush nose” on the keel bulb to reduce impact and damage of a grounding, and a construction weight-shaving program by the yard that rendered even small parts such as electrical cable trays in carbon fibre. Even the interior has some weight-saving tricks with resin-coated linen used for floors, countertops and bulkheads. In three hours the rig can be switched from a typical cruising mainsail to a flat-topped main and split running backstays for racing. For stowing the 400kg Code Zero racing headsail, a very large drum hidden in the forepeak coils the 55m sail. For cruising, the wide stern creates a sheltered sunbathing area that features hydraulic seating integrated into the flush decks.

This was a strong category and the top three finishers were separated by just four points. With My Song, Nauta, Reichel-Pugh and Baltic triumph with things you don’t see: a sophisticated, fully retractable, azimuthing propeller, hydraulic and line runs hidden in the bulwarks to reduce deck thickness, a “crush nose” on the keel bulb to reduce impact and damage of a grounding, and a construction weight-shaving program by the yard that rendered even small parts such as electrical cable trays in carbon fibre. Even the interior has some weight-saving tricks with resin-coated linen used for floors, countertops and bulkheads. In three hours the rig can be switched from a typical cruising mainsail to a flat-topped main and split running backstays for racing. For stowing the 400kg Code Zero racing headsail, a very large drum hidden in the forepeak coils the 55m sail. For cruising, the wide stern creates a sheltered sunbathing area that features hydraulic seating integrated into the flush decks.

_Sybaris _ Length: 70m Interior design: PH Design Exterior styling: Perini Navi Lighting Specialist: PH Design in collaboration with Lindsey Adelman Builder: Perini Navi Reflecting on the fact that lighting can make or break a yacht interior and take its exterior from merely functional to exciting, the ShowBoats Design Awards added this category to the line-up for 2017. The inaugural winner of this award, PH Design, collaborating with Lindsey Adelman, noted that the lighting plan began with the first pencil strokes for the interior, which was planned from the beginning to showcase art amongst subtle finishes. It is the design firm’s first yacht. The judges were impressed with the sophistication of the plan, which in some cases uses asymmetry to give the illusion of extended spaces and floating walls. The use of both uplighting and downlighting for ambient light draws the eye to special pieces and helps direct movement through the yacht and set various moods. Adelman’s seemingly delicate fixtures were modified especially for this project and installed by the renowned artist herself.

_Sybaris _

Length: 70m

Interior design: PH Design

Exterior styling: Perini Navi

Lighting Specialist: PH Design in collaboration with Lindsey Adelman

Builder: Perini Navi

Reflecting on the fact that lighting can make or break a yacht interior and take its exterior from merely functional to exciting, the ShowBoats Design Awards added this category to the line-up for 2017. The inaugural winner of this award, PH Design, collaborating with Lindsey Adelman, noted that the lighting plan began with the first pencil strokes for the interior, which was planned from the beginning to showcase art amongst subtle finishes. It is the design firm’s first yacht. The judges were impressed with the sophistication of the plan, which in some cases uses asymmetry to give the illusion of extended spaces and floating walls. The use of both uplighting and downlighting for ambient light draws the eye to special pieces and helps direct movement through the yacht and set various moods. Adelman’s seemingly delicate fixtures were modified especially for this project and installed by the renowned artist herself.

PLVS VLTRA - Wellness Centre Length: 74m Builder: Amels Naval architect: Amels Interior design: Winch Design Exterior styling: Tim Heywood Another new category, this one seeks to uncover and celebrate those spaces that give a yacht its joie de vivre. Most of the entries were from fully custom yachts, although the winner, a new model from Amels’ Limited Editions range, shows how a niche feature can be smartly adapted as the length and volume of the vessel grows. Rather than simply increase the size and offerings of the aft beach club on its smaller models, Amels took the bold step of moving it amidships on the lower deck and making it full-beam so that it would be a pleasant space even if wing doors are closed or the yacht is underway. When the yacht was sold during its build, the owners embraced the idea, creating a 75m² wellness space, with every feature from a hammam to a hair studio. At anchor, folding decks put the space in touch with the sea.

Another new category, this one seeks to uncover and celebrate those spaces that give a yacht its joie de vivre. Most of the entries were from fully custom yachts, although the winner, a new model from Amels’ Limited Editions range, shows how a niche feature can be smartly adapted as the length and volume of the vessel grows. Rather than simply increase the size and offerings of the aft beach club on its smaller models, Amels took the bold step of moving it amidships on the lower deck and making it full-beam so that it would be a pleasant space even if wing doors are closed or the yacht is underway. When the yacht was sold during its build, the owners embraced the idea, creating a 75m² wellness space, with every feature from a hammam to a hair studio. At anchor, folding decks put the space in touch with the sea.

*9.5 Limousine * Length: 9.5m Builder: Cockwells Interior design: Cockwells Exterior styling: Andrew Wolstenholme Six entries were declared finalists for this award by the subcommittee and reviewed by the full panel of judges. While several tenders captured their eye, the performance, the simplicity of the forward helm position and the luxury automobile-like interior of the 12-passenger-plus-crew Cockwells 9.5 Limousine won their votes. They especially liked the glass skylight panel and sliding glass access hatch, which help to prevent passengers from feeling a sense of confinement in a vessel that had a contractual low profile of 1.75m to fit a particular tender garage. Carbon composite kept weight to 4 tonnes, while a single Yanmar engine delivers 32 knots at full throttle.

*9.5 Limousine *

Length: 9.5m

Builder: Cockwells

Interior design: Cockwells

Exterior styling: Andrew Wolstenholme

Six entries were declared finalists for this award by the subcommittee and reviewed by the full panel of judges. While several tenders captured their eye, the performance, the simplicity of the forward helm position and the luxury automobile-like interior of the 12-passenger-plus-crew Cockwells 9.5 Limousine won their votes. They especially liked the glass skylight panel and sliding glass access hatch, which help to prevent passengers from feeling a sense of confinement in a vessel that had a contractual low profile of 1.75m to fit a particular tender garage. Carbon composite kept weight to 4 tonnes, while a single Yanmar engine delivers 32 knots at full throttle.

PH Design Yacht: Sybaris Length: 70m Three design firms were put forward as finalists for this award, which recognises individuals and companies undertaking their first large yacht project. The judges welcomed and carefully scrutinised their fresh approaches to design and reviewed how their participation factored into the overall project. Sybaris is the first yacht commission for PHDesign, the Miami-based design firm headed by Peter Hawrylewicz, although he has completed residential projects for the yacht’s owner. As well as interior and furniture design, the firm is grounded in architecture, a trifecta of sorts for this project, which presented the team with the envelope of a very powerful sailing machine designed to circumnavigate. The judges applauded the boldness of materials and unique details in the design. “Each environment we create is specific to time and place, but global and hopefully timeless in its appeal,” says Hawrylewicz.

PH Design

Yacht: Sybaris

Length: 70m

Three design firms were put forward as finalists for this award, which recognises individuals and companies undertaking their first large yacht project. The judges welcomed and carefully scrutinised their fresh approaches to design and reviewed how their participation factored into the overall project. Sybaris is the first yacht commission for PHDesign, the Miami-based design firm headed by Peter Hawrylewicz, although he has completed residential projects for the yacht’s owner. As well as interior and furniture design, the firm is grounded in architecture, a trifecta of sorts for this project, which presented the team with the envelope of a very powerful sailing machine designed to circumnavigate. The judges applauded the boldness of materials and unique details in the design. “Each environment we create is specific to time and place, but global and hopefully timeless in its appeal,” says Hawrylewicz.

*Germán Frers * Naval Architect Buenos Aires, Argentina First yacht design: Mirage, 1958 Some people are said to be born with a silver spoon; for Germán Frers it was more like a silver pencil. There was little doubt that Germán would learn naval architecture as his father, also Germán, was a leading figure in sailboat design. He grew up racing dinghies and later crewed on powerful yachts his father designed for offshore races such as Buenos Aires to Rio, the Bermuda Race and Onion Patch, Admiral’s Cup and SORC. Helping in his father’s studio as a draftsman after school, in 1957, the first boat launched to his design. It was a 10 metre offshore yawl and the first fibreglass boat ever built in Argentina. He was just 16. While Germán was still at college, Rod Stephens heard about his talents and invited him to work at the legendary Sparkman & Stephens design firm, where he became one of the principal architects, before establishing an independent studio. In 1970, however, he returned to Argentina to take up the reins of his father’s studio. His first two yachts for the Argentine Admiral’s Cup team did well and his next big project, the 55 foot Scaramouche, won nearly every race it entered. His designs have won all the major trophies around the world and his client list is a Who’s Who in both racing and luxury cruising circles. Straddling both those worlds, he began designing for Nautor’s Swan in 1979, a relationship that continues to today. In 1989 he moved to Italy to design Raul Gardini’s America’s Cup challenger, and in so doing created Il Moro di Venezia, the fastest challenger of the new America’s Cup class of yachts that replaced the 12 metres in 1992. The Frers team next joined Prada for the 2000 Cup and the Frers-inspired Luna Rossa also won the Louis Vuitton challenger series. He maintains a design office in Milan, run by his son, naval architect, Germán “Mani” Frers. Together, three men named Germán Frers have designed more than 700 boats. In recent years, Germán’s star shines in the stratosphere of superyachts, from Rebecca and Hyperion in 1999 to Indio in 2009 to 2013’s multi-award-winning Inukshuk, and 2016’s Unfurled, Sailing Yacht of the Year in 2016. We congratulate Germán Frers for his lifetime of yacht design excellence.

Some people are said to be born with a silver spoon; for Germán Frers it was more like a silver pencil. There was little doubt that Germán would learn naval architecture as his father, also Germán, was a leading figure in sailboat design. He grew up racing dinghies and later crewed on powerful yachts his father designed for offshore races such as Buenos Aires to Rio, the Bermuda Race and Onion Patch, Admiral’s Cup and SORC. Helping in his father’s studio as a draftsman after school, in 1957, the first boat launched to his design. It was a 10 metre offshore yawl and the first fibreglass boat ever built in Argentina. He was just 16. While Germán was still at college, Rod Stephens heard about his talents and invited him to work at the legendary Sparkman & Stephens design firm, where he became one of the principal architects, before establishing an independent studio.

In 1970, however, he returned to Argentina to take up the reins of his father’s studio. His first two yachts for the Argentine Admiral’s Cup team did well and his next big project, the 55 foot Scaramouche, won nearly every race it entered. His designs have won all the major trophies around the world and his client list is a Who’s Who in both racing and luxury cruising circles. Straddling both those worlds, he began designing for Nautor’s Swan in 1979, a relationship that continues to today. In 1989 he moved to Italy to design Raul Gardini’s America’s Cup challenger, and in so doing created Il Moro di Venezia, the fastest challenger of the new America’s Cup class of yachts that replaced the 12 metres in 1992. The Frers team next joined Prada for the 2000 Cup and the Frers-inspired Luna Rossa also won the Louis Vuitton challenger series.

He maintains a design office in Milan, run by his son, naval architect, Germán “Mani” Frers. Together, three men named Germán Frers have designed more than 700 boats. In recent years, Germán’s star shines in the stratosphere of superyachts, from Rebecca and Hyperion in 1999 to Indio in 2009 to 2013’s multi-award-winning Inukshuk, and 2016’s Unfurled, Sailing Yacht of the Year in 2016. We congratulate Germán Frers for his lifetime of yacht design excellence.

The 18 winners of the ShowBoats Design Awards 2017

Best Interior Layout & Design - Motor Yacht above 500GT

The freshness of the layout and décor of this purpose-built yacht created for a young owner obsessed with outdoor sports quickly captured the attention of the judges. They appreciated the open spaces and huge windows for taking in the surroundings, as well as the uniqueness of a fireplace lounge, in which to warm up after skiing or diving adventures, and the winter garden, both indicating the yacht’s extreme latitudes cruising agenda. Christian Liaigre used angled walls, unusual strip lighting and a dramatic stair column to present surprises at every turn. The judges were also impressed by smart features such as a corridor that allows guests direct access from their cabins to the gym and an excellent crew arrangement with a separate crew mess and lounge and thoughtfully placed cabins for pilots and sports instructors.

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